Hero Kagawa Can Take Advantage of Roo Woe ; Japanese Star Vows to Create and Score Goals Hospital Stay for Wayne after His Horror Injury

Article excerpt

WAYNE Rooney's horrific thigh wound will give Shinji Kagawa the
chance to cement his role as United's new 'man in the hole.' The
Reds striker spent Saturday night in the Bridgewater Hospital after
his leg was cut open following a challenge by Fulham's Hugo
Rodallega, and boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes he will miss Sunday's
trip to Southampton and the Old Trafford clash with Wigan on
September 15 along with England's two World Cup qualifiers against
Ukraine and Moldova.

Rooney, who started Saturday's match on the bench, returned ho1me
yesterday morning to begin his recovery and could be available again
for United's visit to Anfield against Liverpool on September 23.

But Pounds 17m new recruit Kagawa has set down a marker to play
in the attacking role behind fellow newcomer Robin van Persie.

Fergie said in his programme notes on Saturday he believes the
Japanese international can provide some midfield goal power in the
way Bryan Robson and Paul Scholes did in their heydays.

And the 23-year-old proved he has a nose for goal by scoring on
his Old Trafford debut against Fulham.

"The goal wasn't scored in my usual style. Next time I'd like to
score a more typical goal," said Kagawa, who joined the Reds from
Borussia Dortmund.

"I wanted to make a goal as well. I like to make goals as much as
score them and I was disappointed when Rafael's 'goal' was
disallowed for offside after I hit the post.

"The Premier League is a much tougher league physically than what
I've been used to in Germany.

though Fulham are a mid-table team they proved very tough
opponents and that is the difference to the Bundesliga.

"I need to get used to it. Even though Fulham are a mid-table
team they proved very tough opponents and that is the difference to
the Bundesliga. "Every team in the Premier League gives you a hard
fight.

League gives you a hard fight.

"But it will be good for my development as a player to play tough
opponents in every match.

development as a player to play tough opponents in every match.

"I want to improve parts of my game. I think the combination play
with the other players will improve match by match.

game. I think the combination play with the other players will
improve match by match. …